63rd birth anniversary tomorrow
People’s star on reel and real life:
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
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With Sabeetha in Nommara 17 |
With
Swarna Mallawarachchi in Kadapathaka Chaaya |
With Malani in Dew Duwa |
There are reel life heroes and there are real life heroes but only a
few artistes were able to perform both roles on and off screen.
Charismatic film star cum politician Vijaya Kumaratunga is one amongst a
few who had remained as the hearts of masses as an iconic image on both
streams. Vijaya would have been 63 years of age tomorrow if he had not
been gunned down at Polhengoda on February 16, 1988.
He was one of those in the forefront in bringing forth the golden era
of Sinhala cinema for his portrayal as the romantic hero mesmerised many
movie buffs. He ruled the silver screen for more than 20 years, acting
alongside stalwarts like Gamini Fonseka, Malani Fonseka, Joe
Abeywickrama, Ravindra Randeniya and many more. Apart from his cinematic
contribution he was also loved and remembered for the pivotal role he
played in trying to resolve the ethnic conflict in the island.
Born on October 9, 1945, in the costal area of Seeduwa, Vijaya’s
ambition had been to become a police officer though his parents,
Benjamin and Beatrice Kumaratunga, had wanted him to become a doctor.
He took part in a number of school dramas and was also a member of
the debate team at his schools, St. Benedicts College, Kotahena and De
Mazenod College, Kandana. Having studied dancing under Shesha
Palihakkara and acting under P. Welikala and J.H. Jayawardana, the
youngster first faced a film camera in a crowd scene in Manamalayo in
1967. After responding to a newspaper advertisement calling for fresh
talent, the budding star got his breakthrough with the lead role in
Sugathapala Senarath Yapa’s Hanthane Kathawa opposite Swarna
Mallawarachchi. Even before the release of the film his exceptional
talent was spotted and he had signed up for more than 12 movies.
From there on he added his name to many commercial hits as well as
Classic Sinhala movies like Bambaru Evith, Eya Den Loku Lamayek, Kristhu
Charithaya, Ganga Addara and Baddegama. Acting came naturally for Vijaya
and he excelled in his forte gifting the film industry with many diverse
roles.
The Vijaya-Malani duo marked a significant era in our 61 year old
stint in the cinema history with their contributions to films like
Hathara Denama Soorayo, Thushara, Sussie, Sangeetha, Unnath Dahai Malath
Dahai, Ganga, Diyamanthi, Eya Dan Loku Lamakey, Pembara Madhu, Dahakin
Ekek, Newatha Hamuwemu and many others.
Having bagged the most popular award continuously for several years
his dream had been to win the award for best actor. Though he came close
to winning the title on several occasions it was unfortunately after his
death that he was finally presented with the award for his exceptional
performance in Kedapathaka Chaya.
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With Sriyani in Kumara Kumariyo |
With
Geetha in Obatai Priye Adare |
In
Krishthu Charithaya |
Apart from acting he was also a talented vocalist. He was probably
the only individual to have clinched accolades for the titles of best
actor as well as best singer. Masses flocked around to listen to their
idol speak.
The gift to touch the heartstrings of the public coupled with his
magnetic personality and finally led him to take on a journey in the
political landscape. He was one of the earliest members of the SLFP and
later, along with his wife Chandrika, he was able to form the Sri Lanka
Mahajana Party in 1984 which paved the way for a robust third force in
the country’s political stream. This political persona of his was
believed to have reflected the roles he acted in his films.
He had rendered his name to over 100 films in his career and nearly
20 of those films were released in the first 10 years since his tragic
death at the age of 42. Aeye Obata Baarai was the last of his films to
be released in 1998.
Each year reams of articles have been written about the legendary
hero of the wide screen but the industry still feel the void created
after his departure.
With captivating good looks, abundant talent, down to earth qualities
and humanity he touched the pulse of masses in the past, present and
future. There will never be another to take his place. He will remain as
the people’s star for many years to come. |
